Auburn man arrested on incest, rape and sodomy charges involving juvenile
An Auburn man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of incest and sexual abuse involving a juvenile, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on August 31, 2026, after an employee with the Lee County Department of Human Resources filed a report with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office regarding allegations of incest and sexual abuse of a juvenile.
According to investigators, evidence was obtained during the investigation that supported the allegations reported to the Department of Human Resources.
On September 4, investigators arrested 42-year-old Walter Sarkneko Barnett of Auburn, Alabama.
Barnett was charged with:
One count of Incest
Two counts of Sodomy in the Second Degree
One count of Rape in the Second Degree
One count of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree
Barnett is being held in the Lee County Detention Center on a $146,000 bond.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
Crime & SafetyBREAKING: Russell County school resource officer arrested on sex charges involving student
Crime & SafetyAuburn man arrested on felony assault warrant following report of assault
Crime & SafetyFormer Auburn Athletics employee arrested on trade secrets, computer tampering charges
Crime & SafetyAuburn man arrested on felony offenses involving a juvenile